The dynamic analysis of soil-structure system on viscoelastic soil medium by hybrid modelling is presented. The hybrid model consists of a near-field and a far-field with their common interface passing through the soil region at some distance from the base of the structure.
This model makes use of frequency-dependent impedances so as to represent the semi-infinite far-field. The far-field impedances on viscoelastic soil medium are represented by an approximate method. The appropriateness of the method was investigated by comparing the impedances of a rigid circular plate on a viscoelastic half-space.
As an example, dynamic analysis of a tall chimney was performed and the results were compared with those obtained by simpler models which are frequently used in practice. Additionally, the effects of embedment and material damping of soil medium on the dynamic response of structures were studied.
